Christmas in Colchester 2018

The Essex town is spreading the Christmas cheer and going all out this month with festive entertainment, markets, events and more. Here’s five reasons to visit Colchester this Christmas…

Shopping in Colchester

If you’ve not yet started your Christmas shopping or perhaps there’s a few last items to tick off the list, then hop in the car and make your way to Colchester. The town centre is home to the famous Fenwicks. Offering everything from clothing and jewellery to food and beauty, here you can have a West London shopping experience without the crowds and chaos.

However it’s the independent retailers dotted throughout the historic streets that make it the perfect place to pick up presents. A favourite is Belle Love which sells beautiful Italian designed goods including handbags, women’s clothing and jewellery. Located in an historic building on Eld Lane, which is built on top of the old Roman wall, the boutique has stylish hand-picked collections which showcase the finest Italian leather and craftsmanship.

On Wednesdays in the lead up to Christmas there will be late night shopping, with many of the stores staying open until 9pm, with free parking from 3pm.

An Enchanted Christmas

The Town Hall is bringing the magic of Christmas to life on 16 December, as the Frost Queen and her sister, the Snowflake Princess, make an appearance for an afternoon tea filled with sing along festive songs and the telling of traditions from other kingdoms. It’s great chance to get children in to the Christmas spirit. Tickets are priced £10 for children aged 2-12 and adults priced £15.

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Colchester Christmas Market

The annual Christmas market will be returning to Culver Square from 8-9 December. Feel the festive vibes with delicious seasonal treats, crafts and more.

Santa’s Grottos in Colchester

There’s no shortage of places to see the man in red in Colchester. Families can choose from a range of enchanting grottos including Colchester Castle and The Barn Garden Centre. If you have a little one who adores animals book your ticket to Colchester Zoo for a Santa visit with a twist. On selected dates from 1 – 24 December, children will be able to meet the reindeers, get crafty at the elves workshop and enjoy a staff pantomime and Christmas tale.

Pantomime at Mercury Theatre

It wouldn’t be Christmas without the slap stick comedy of a panto. The Mercury Theatre will be putting on a performance of the time old classic ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ until 20 January. As one of the most popular pantomimes in the region, tickets get booked up fast to see the magical mayhem full of laughter, music and dance. This year’s performance stars Antony Stuart-Hicks, Dale Superville and Carli Norris and promises to be a glittering Christmas treat for the whole family to enjoy! Book tickets at https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/jack-and-the-beanstalk/